Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Delicate aromas of crushed dark berry, wilted rose, cedar and graphite fold over to the palate, where they are trim and structured. The firm acidity and tannins are complemented by a hint of fresh-crushed rock. Best from 2016 through 2028.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Chief Winemaker Laurie Hook says, Chief Winemaker Laurie Hook says that the 2012 vintage began with textbook conditions that continued through much of the harvest. From my tasting notes, I find those comments quite accurate. The 2012 Beringer Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet is one of the most solid wines of the vintage— it shows excellent concentration of blue and black fruits, with just a touch of sweet oak. This wine would be a beautiful match with grilled beef. Drinking quite well now. (Tasted: May 9, 2016, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Even better than the regular Knights Valley cuvée is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from Knight’s Valley. It reveals more fudge, toast, licorice, blackberry and blackcurrant fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, impressive purity as well as a long finish. This is top-notch stuff that should drink well for 10-12 years.
As California's longest continuously operating winery, Beringer has been defining Napa Valley winemaking since it was founded by Jacob and Frederick Beringer in 1876. By continuing that pioneering spirit, Beringer established many 'firsts' as leaders in the wine industry. They were one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand dug caves and cellars. Beringer were the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition. They are the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine. Today, they proudly celebrate and remain true to their pioneering legacy.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.